Chapter 240 Aurora

The pack had been on edge all day. I walked through the village, wolves doing their chores, smiling politely in return as I passed by, but it was as if Rowan's outburst stuck within their minds. His accusing words upon me and Dane, a rumble of doubt, now spread between them.

By sundown, I was emotionally and mentally tired. On that ridge, which I had gone to in an attempt to clear my mind, I found Dane also strolling over.

Softly, he came, since his footsteps would have been hitting against loose gravel. "You've been out here for hours," he said, soft.

"I needed space," I said, turning to him. "It's just, with everything I try and do, it still feels like the pack is slipping further apart."

Dane stepped closer, and, just like always, immediately his presence was steady and grounding.

"You're doing all you can, Aurora. It's not easy to lead when those you're trying to protect are the wolves pulling away."

Finally, I turned to him, the concern in his blue eyes reflected back within my own. "What if I'm not enough?" I whispered.

Dane's hand found mine, his heat seeping into me. "You are…"

I leaned my head into him, right into his chest, against which his arms closed tightly. And for the first time today, I breathed.

We sat there, side by side, not talking much.

Later, as the sun had dipped below the horizon and night's chill settled in, Dane took my hand and led me back toward the packhouse.

"Stay with me tonight, you've been so busy," he said as we reached the door. "The kids want to have dinner with you tonight."

I sighed. "You are right…" I paused and then looked up at him. "When are they going back?"

Dane nodded. "Soon… I just want to spend time with them."

I furrowed my brows in worry. "They have to leave… we have so many enemies here… We could go visit them when all is settled here a bit… but, Dane…"

He took my hand and cut me off, as he kissed them. "I care about her as much as you do… I promise they will be flown back to base tomorrow."

I smiled and nodded at him. "Thanks… let me freshen up, I will be back."

He pinched my cheek and nodded back at me. He planted a kiss on my lips, and we stood there kissing for a few more seconds, before I placed my hands on his chest and pulled away.

"I will be back." I took a few steps back; he stood there looking at me.

I sighed as I closed the door. "What a day!"

I slipped out of my clothes, and I entered the bathroom. The warm water was refreshing. I came out of the bathroom refreshed, and I had a smile on my face. I am having dinner with my kids after such a long time. I just couldn't wait. I hummed a song as I slipped into my nightdress; I took the jacket and put it on.

I sat in front of my mirror and put my hair in a high ponytail, then I made it into a bun. I applied a bit of lipstick, and I dabbed on some face cream.

After putting on perfume, I looked in the mirror, and I was satisfied by what I saw.

I headed out of the room, and I reached the dining table just in time.

Tristan and Seraphina were coming, each holding Dane's hand.

"Mum!!" they chorused as they let go of Dane's hands and raced up to me.

I bent down as I caught them both in an embrace. I kissed their heads, and we pulled back before I led them to the table.

Dane dished out food for us, and we started eating in silence.

It was a quiet time, just our little family. I smiled as I ate my food. I loved this moment, I wished it wouldn't end. I looked up to Dane and found him smiling; I believe he is enjoying this too… even the kids are smiling.

"How did you enjoy your meals?" I asked the kids, as I laid back on my seat after we were done with our food.

"Delicious…" Tristan said as he wiped his lips.

"It was my best dinner ever," Seraphina said, "Because mummy and daddy are here eating with us."

I nodded. "Same here, darling… How are your grandparents?"

"They are fine, mum…"

"Erm erm…" Dane cleared his throat, and we looked up at him. "I feel quite tired… we need to get some rest, kids."

The kids sighed, and I frowned at Dane; he blinked at me, and I shook my head.

Dane looked at the maid, and he said, "Take the kids to their room."

He got up and kissed the kids goodnight, I did the same before Dane grabbed my hands and led me to his room.

"Why the rush? You asked me to spend time with the kids, but you couldn't wait for me to finish talking to them?"

Dane closed the door behind us before turning to me. He wore a smirk.

"Because this is urgent… how can I be okay when you look this good?" he whispered in his low, husky voice.

I could no longer form words in my mouth; I nodded at him.

Dane brushed his hand against my cheek, turning my chin high, and he caught my lips with his.

His hands slipping to my waist, pulling me in, he walked me to the bed, his lips never leaving mine.

The back of my knees hit the mattress, and I sank down, pulling him with me. His weight settled over me, his hands braced on either side of my head as his kisses grew urgent.

"Dane," I murmured, my fingers threading through his hair.

He drew back far enough to lift an eyebrow in query, but his eyes were dark with desire.

I shook my head, and his lips landed harder on mine this time.

"Look at me," he said, his voice low and commanding as I laid tired by his side.

I opened my eyes and met his gaze, the intensity in his eyes made my breath catch. "You're everything to me, Aurora," he said.

"Everything I'll ever need… I love you."

We lay like that for so long, tangled up in the sheets. Dane's fingers drew lazy circles on my back, sending waves of calming.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," I whispered.

"You'll never have to find out," he said, with an even surer tone.

Finally, I had just begun drifting off, Dane's arms wrapped snug around me, when a loud pounding on the door startled me from sleep. Immediately Dane sat upright, all tension.

"Aurora," Piper's voice called from the other side. "We have a problem."